Keitel 'not replacing Carell on Office'

An insider on NBC's The Office has reportedly dismissed rumors that Harvey Keitel is in line to replace departing star Steve Carell.

Executive producer Paul Lieberstein previously suggested that Keitel would be the perfect candidate to take over as office boss.

The Hollywood Reporter quotes an unnamed source as saying: "That [story] got out of control. It was an idea on the table [and] it could be a fun arc, but it's not going to be a long-term option."

The source also explained that the production team were "looking for [a character] who can start stories".

"[They want] someone whose judgement isn't necessarily [great]. When an issue comes up, a boss with correct judgement would quickly settle it and then you have no episode. You're also looking for somebody who considers the rest of the office his family."